Functional capacity refers to a person’s ability to do their daily tasks and activities. A functional capacity assessment, which is provided by a healthcare professional such as an occupational therapist, can assist you to receive the right level of funds and supports you need in your NDIS plan to achieve your goals.
What will the occupational therapist explore?
The occupational therapist will:
- provide evidence of your disability and functional capacity
- describe what you can do yourself and what you need assistance with
- assist you in identifying your unmet needs and aspirations
- identify the support you need for your daily living and community activities.
Assessments are objective, using standardised measures. The occupational therapist will identify your ability to perform activities across a wide range of areas, including personal care, mobility and work, social and leisure activities. They will also explore your need for assistive devices or modifications to make tasks easier.
What is involved?
The therapist may visit you at home or meet you somewhere else that you arrange together to gather information and begin the assessment.
They’ll use a range of assessment tools to assess your current functional capacity – this may include observing you performing various tasks and activities. The evaluation may also gather information from you and your family and supporters, which could include interviews and questionnaires and, with your consent, communicating with your GP and other healthcare professionals.
The therapist will then develop a comprehensive report that outlines your functional abilities and supports. The report will include recommendations regarding the type and level of funding and support required under your NDIS plan. .
How long does a functional capacity assessment take?
At Mamre, we plan for a functional capacity assessment to take between 12 and 15 hours plus travel time (if required). This time usually includes:
- 2-3 hours for information gathering across 2 sessions
- 10-12 hours for the occupational therapist to score your assessments and write the report.
What can it do for me?
A functional capacity assessment is evidence of your capacity to do your daily tasks and what assistance could make your life easier. It can be used as supporting evidence to help you gain the support you require for your next NDIS plan. It can also assist you if you are trying to enter the NDIS for the first time.
Mamre’s occupational therapists have specialised training and expertise in assessing a person’s functional abilities. They can assist you with a person-centred functional capacity assessment to ensure you have the right supports to get the most out of life.
If you would like to know more, please contact our Allied Health team on [email protected] or 3622 1222. You can also read more about how the team empowers our customers.